Student Publication of Walker High School

Mules!

You’re driving down the road and suddenly, you see this burst of color to the side. You slow down and look to find a painted mule statue. What is this? Why is it here?

Well, these mules you have been seeing around town are part of a project by the Walker County Arts Alliance, an organization that provides year-round art events and cultural project, to raise awareness for local artists. The goal of the 50-Mule Team Public Art Project is to promote artistic development in Walker County and to raise money for the Arts Alliance.

This is all well and good, but you might ask, “Why mules?” Mules were used on farms, mines, and in transportation throughout Alabama’s history. They were the most important work animal in the state from the late nineteenth century until being replaced by machines in the twentieth century.

However, now you have a chance to own one of these works of art! At the Gala Mule Auction on Thursday, October 20th at 7 P.M. seven of these mules will be auctioned off to raise money to support the Arts Alliance. Tickets to the auction are $25 through October 15th, and $30 at the door. To buy tickets, visit the WCAA office at 201 19th Street West in Jasper.